Method for continuous visualization of a blood clot or plaque in body lumen

Abstract

A method for visualizing a blood clot or plaque disposed within a body lumen comprising: binding a contrasting complex comprising a contrast material and a thrombolytic material or a clot dissolving agent to the blood clot or plaque; and visualizing the blood clot or plaque over a period time by a visualizing system.

1. A method for selectively binding a contrasting complex to a blood clot or a thrombus on a plaque disposed within a body lumen comprising:
 administering an effective amount of a contrasting complex comprising a contrast material and a thrombolytic material, wherein said contrasting complex: (i) binds or adheres to said blood clot or said thrombus disposed within said body lumen via a fibrin portion of said thrombolytic material for a period of time sufficient to perform an invasive image-guided procedure, wherein said body lumen is selected from the group consisting of: the cardio-vascular system, the pulmonary system, the digestive system, the central nervous system, the reproductive system, and the excretory system; (ii) provides real-time visualization of said blood clot or said thrombus by a visualizing system during said invasive image-guided procedure, wherein said visualizing system is selected from the group consisting of: radiography systems, nuclear medicine systems, ultrasound systems, magnetic resonance systems and any combinations thereof; and (iii) exits said body without causing either kidney toxicity or stimulation of atherogenesis; and 
 visualizing said blood clot or said thrombus by said visualizing system, 
 wherein said contrast material renders radio-opaque said blood clot or said thrombus under x-ray imaging, and 
 wherein said thrombolytic material is selected from the group consisting of: tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) tenecteplase form of TPAse, streptokinase, urokinase, retavase, and any mixtures thereof. 
 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1 , wherein said image-guided invasive procedure is selected from the group of: manipulation of wires, manipulation of balloons, manipulation of catheters, and manipulation of stents. 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 1 , wherein said contrast material is selected from the group consisting of: an ionic material, non-ionic material and mixtures thereof. 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 1 , wherein said contrast material comprises at least one heavy atom having an atomic weight of 30 or greater. 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 1 , wherein said contrast material comprises at least one metal. 
     
     
       6. The method of  claim 1 , wherein said contrast material is selected from the group consisting of: iodine, gadolinium, ultrasound contrast materials, and mixtures thereof. 
     
     
       7. The method of  claim 1 , wherein said contrast material is selected from the group consisting of: metals, paramagnetic materials, high atomic number non-metal materials, radioisotopes, gases or gas precursors, chromatophores, fluorophores, electrical impedance materials, and any combinations thereof. 
     
     
       8. The method according to  claim 1 , wherein said contrast material binds to said thrombolytic material. 
     
     
       9. The method according to  claim 8 , wherein the bond between said contrast material and said thrombolytic material is selected from the group consisting of: a molecular bond, an ionic bond, covalent bond, metallic bond, mixed bonds, polar and nonpolar covalent bonds, and multiple bonds.